Chapter 31: Fool

Sierra struggled to find words to describe her emotions, but she was certain Maggie intended to harm her. "Maggie, it's me, Sierra!"

Sierra's voice trembled as she swallowed hard.

Maggie smiled, but her eyes lacked warmth. She slowly withdrew the dagger, the sharp edge barely grazing Sierra's delicate cheek.

Terrified, Sierra tried to lean away, her head tilted up. Cornered against the wall, she clung to it, but there was nowhere to escape.

Maggie found Sierra's fear amusing, realizing that even those who inflict cruelty can feel fear themselves. Maggie had experienced the pain of a blade piercing deep enough to expose bone—a memory etched into her from her two lives.

"Behave yourself," Maggie said, a cold smile playing on her lips. "You just need to continue being the little princess of the Camerons. Provoke me again, and I won't hesitate to leave you with nothing."

Sierra swallowed hard, her fingers clenched, her eyes filled with resentment. How dare this woman!

"Maggie, I understand," Sierra sobbed, unable to continue. "I won't take your things anymore. Please don't be angry."

Cold and cruel, Maggie took the dagger and left. As soon as she was gone, Sierra collapsed to the floor, terrified. Maggie was insane! This woman must be insane! How could she dare do such a thing?

A few minutes later, a servant hurried in. "Miss, what are you doing here? The old lady and Madam have been searching for you everywhere." Noticing Sierra's slightly messy hair, the servant added, concerned, "Are you all right?"

"What could possibly be wrong with me! Just go away!"

The servant awkwardly left. Sierra regained her composure and returned to the banquet hall, concealing her fear.

Her old friends immediately surrounded her.

"Sierra, how did it go? Did Maggie agree to lend you the necklace?"

"She must have refused. I just saw it around Maggie's neck."

"Sierra, didn't you say your sister loves you most? She'd give you anything, right? How could she not even lend you a necklace? How stingy!"

"Yeah, this banquet's for you, Sierra. How could she not even lend you a necklace?"

"Your family seems to favor Maggie. Are you the lady of the Camerons, or is she?"

"That's right! This banquet's for you. Why is Mrs. Cameron busy entertaining Maggie? It's like she's the real lady of the family."

Their words weren't those of true friends. Sierra forced a smile, but her expression darkened. "My sister said the necklace didn't match my dress. She'll give it to me after the banquet."

After a pause, she added, "Our family has always been good to her. There's no need to say such things."

They politely changed the subject, but their true thoughts remained unchanged.

The banquet officially began. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron introduced Sierra, and she played the piano. Maggie stood below the stage, seemingly uninterested, sipping wine.

A man in a dark suit approached her. "The Camerons don't seem worried about their reputation, judging by their daughter's performance."

Maggie smiled faintly, her gaze shifting to the tall, lean man beside her. Leo's pale complexion contrasted sharply with his neatly groomed black hair and black earring. His eyes held a playful hint; his smile was charming, but his serious expression sent shivers down spines.

Maggie compared him to Nathael, distant and reserved, in contrast to Leo's approachable demeanor. However, she knew that deeper nuances lay beneath the surface.

A wave of gratitude washed over her. He had survived.

"The trap is set," Leo said softly, gazing at her. "Now we wait for the prey."

Maggie smiled, her eyes calculating. "They'll take the bait. They're too greedy."

The music ended, and applause erupted. Sierra stood on stage, obedient and charming. "Thank you, everyone!"

"Ms. Cameron is truly elegant and talented," someone praised. Olivia smiled, clearly pleased.

Then, unexpectedly, Sierra attacked. All eyes turned to her. "I remember Maggie doesn't have any talents, does she?"

"I've heard that too. Besides architectural design, she needs improvement in other areas."

"Lacking is a partial truth. Maggie's an outstanding graduate from a top university. Even if she lacks exceptional talents, she's still accomplished."

"Even if she's not lacking, she's just a bookworm. Children in our families need to be well-rounded. Despite being raised by the Camerons, Maggie still lacks refinement."

The crowd buzzed. Maggie remained composed.

"Idiot," Leo sneered, his gaze on Sierra.

Olivia touched Sierra's hand, smiling. "Both are hardworking, each with their own strengths."

Sierra, fueled by resentment, intended to embarrass Maggie. Ignoring Olivia, she said, "How about we ask Maggie to perform a song, Mom? That way, everyone can see my talent and Maggie's lack of skill!"

Her words, though seemingly innocent, were malicious. Both sisters had taken piano lessons. While the teacher focused on Sierra, he saw potential in Maggie, who diligently studied. However, the teacher deemed Maggie talentless and the Camerons ended her lessons.